Programs for Four Year Olds: A Resource Paper.

The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the current status of available programs, research findings related to quality programs, and issues surrounding programs for 4-year-old children. The paper is intended as a resource for multiple audiences, including decision makers, legislators, regulatory administrators, advocates, parents, and all those whose tasks relate to programs for 4-year-olds. In addition, the paper is an initial attempt to study the major issues related to such programs. The research review briefly describes compensatory programs for disadvantaged children; cites conclusions of a comparison of four types of programs; describes some state and district-wide programs in Maryland, New York, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia; summarizes results of a national survey of educators' views about the expansion of early childhood education; and reports policy statements of the Educational Policies Commission and NAEYC regarding the expansion of programs. Existing programs for 4-year-olds in Maryland are described. The discussion of issues focuses on program quality, availability and accessibility, curriculum, training, parent role, regulations, the impact of early education on existing programs, and the dissemination and exchange of information among educators of 4-year-olds. Recommendations of the Maryland Committee for Children concerning program quality, availability and accessibility, and future research are provided along with citations of selected references. (RH)